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Lion-Hearted Real Advance to FinalA wise man once said, “Nobody remembers beaten semi-finalists”. The direct meaning of this quote is that to lose in a semi-final is to be forgotten as the final two teams take their place. Real San Juan advanced to their second Peri Clark Cup by defeating Aguias 1-0 in the unbearable heat at Southside Park.Real began the match shockingly with only eight field players, an embarrassment for a team that just won the regular season title. A back four of captain Marcos Mercado, Utodi Madu, Trevor Tennant and Kenyon Hill protected the goal of ‘keeper Conor McNulty. The midfield trio of Alvaro Delgado, Eliot Ricks-Chambers and Kyle Navarro operated behind the lone striker of Pat Nelle. Much-needed assistance came in the form of Ryan Rhoads who arrived minutes into the beginning of the first half. Sensing the early advantage, Aguias poured on the pressure early as they enjoyed endless amounts of time and space. RSJ had no other choice but to defend and allow Aguias to spray crosses in from the flanks and hope to catch them on the counterattack. Real’s first chance to threaten the goal of ‘keeper Mark Torguson arrived as Hill sent a long ball to Nelle who swerved and split two Aguias defenders and struck a swift shot past a helpless Torguson; a shock 1-0 lead for RSJ. Real then continued to deflect the Aguias chances that came fast and furious throughout the first half. RSJ’s second best opportunity came when a shot from Ricks-Chambers was tipped over the bar by Torguson. Real were thankful for two things at halftime: their 1-0 lead and the arrival of striker Oscar Sandoval to finally put them at 11 players. The second half began much like the first as Aguias were given time and space and attacked Real continuously. The arrival of captain and leading striker Martin Sims also aided in the Aguias plan for the equalizer. Levi Henson on the right flank and Matt Scammacca in central midfield enjoyed the freedom of the park as RSJ prepared to protect their lead. Real continued to be dangerous on the counter, specifically with Sandoval, Nelle and Ricks-Chambers keeping the Aguias defense honest. Real believed they had gone 2-0 up when Sandoval slotted a cross into the side netting, only to be called back for offside. Aguias’ best chances came when Sims sent his shot from in the box off the upper side netting, while midfielder Ade sent his shot over the bar. Real’s starting eleven held on at the death with Madu and Mercado staving off any more Aguias attacks. At the finale, the game remained 1-0. 90 plus minutes of work for Real is rewarded with a place in the Peri Clark Cup Final versus Turlock side Academica, who defeated Casa Sporting 4-1 in the other semi-final. Starting Lineup: McNulty – Tennant, Madu, Mercado ©, Hill – Ricks-Chambers, Navarro, Delgado – Nelle. Substitutions: Rhoads, Sandoval Man of the Match: Eliot Ricks-Chambers |
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